I'm going to err on the side of caution and say at least a soft shell case. Hopefully someone else will come along who has a better answer. If you were pulled over and the vehicle was searched, which you shouldn't consent to and you likely have bigger problems if they're searching based upon reasonable suspicion, the officer conducting the search is the one who will have to initially interpret whether you have the gun in a case or not. If he/she decides that your storage doesn't constitute a "case" it becomes a lawyer issue but it should be easier to convince them that it is a case if it's actually a gun case rather than a backpack or just sitting out.
EDIT: The most common answer you're probably going to hear is to just get your LTCH, which I agree with but I'm guessing there's a reason you haven't.
So, does a vehicle Trunk constitute to a case, or would I need to have a separate case within the Vehicle trunk?
If the latter, Would a soft shell case suffice or would I need a hardshell?
thanks.
Pistol=>in range bag=>in trunk. Hard case, soft case, flap holster, pistol rug, just as long as you cannot access it.
Life gets much, much better with the LTCH. Good luck on the application process, HK!
Once you get the LTCH, get some good duct tape, then:
This is so wrong in so many ways... it should be taped to his strong hand, with his finger in the trigger guard. You know... so he can actually use it in an emergency.